David Beckham Sparks Internet Debate by Kissing 7-Year-Old Daughter Harper on the Lips

David Beckham’s Instagram picture shows the former soccer star giving Harper a smooch as they ice skate outside in front of a festive Christmas tree

David Beckham got the internet talking on Monday when he posted a picture of himself kissing his 7-year-old daughter Harper Seven on the lips.

The Instagram photo shows the former soccer star giving his youngest child a smooch as they ice skate outside in front of a festive Christmas tree. Beckham was bundled up in a brown cap and orange scarf, while Harper kept warm in fuzzy earmuffs and a coat.

“Christmas is coming. Let’s go skate,” Beckham captioned the father-daughter snapshot, tacking on a Santa Claus emoji and red heart emoji. On his Instagram Story, he shared a video in which Harper skated off after he said, “Go!”

Instagram users were divided on the peck. In criticism, one individual wrote, “How can you kiss this little girl on her lips,” while another said, “This is not right!” and a third opined, “Not on lips. Cheeks is ok.”

Want all the latest pregnancy and birth announcements, plus celebrity mom blogs? Click here to get those and more in the PEOPLE Parents newsletter.

david-beckham-3

DAVID BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

david-beckham-2

David Beckham’s Instagram Story. DAVID BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

david-beckham-1

David Beckham’s Instagram Story. DAVID BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM
 Hilary Duff Recalls Being Mommy Shamed Over Kissing Son Luca on the Lips

But Beckham — who is dad to Harper plus sons Cruz David, 13, Romeo James, 16, and Brooklyn Joseph, 19, with wife Victoria Beckham — got support from fellow famous dads such as Ryan Reynolds, who liked the post.

“Dad and daughter. So sweet!” Tom Brady commented. (The football player stirred up debate in February when he kissed his son John “Jack” Edward Thomas, then 10, on the lips in the documentary Tom vs. Time.)

Many fans offered their support, as well. “He’s her dad and she’s his daughter,” one person wrote. “Why do people have to look too far into things? Not everything has a sinister motive! She’s a little girl clearly comfortable, happy and having a lovely time with her dad. Innocent and lovely.”

“This is a gorgeous photo showing the bond every girl should have with their daddy,” another user said. “Well done on being such a good dad.”

Related Posts

GK Barry lands biggest career move to date after I’m A Celebrity success!

After building a loyal following online and appearing on I’m A Celebrity, GK Barry is expanding her media presence with a major national radio debut on BBC…

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘disappointed’ over huge snub as they ‘don’t pack a punch’

It emerged that the Prince and Princess of Wales have landed themselves a spot on a prestigious list of the world’s best philanthropists, but there was no…

Nicola Peltz’s pals break silence for first time over Brooklyn Beckham claims!

Nicola Peltz’s pals address claims that she is “isolating” Brooklyn Beckham in new defence – as sources close to the Beckham family speak of their continued upset…

Victoria Beckham ‘struggling’ over Brooklyn as family threatens to ‘rupture’

EXCLUSIVE: Victoria Beckham is said to be “struggling” as the rumoured feud between her, David and their son Brooklyn rumbles on, with the family reportedly being torn…

Amy Childs reveals shocking reason for staggering weight loss amid wedding heartbreak

EXCLUSIVE: Amy Childs has been open about her weight loss journey in recent months, and now the reality star has revealed the real reason behind her staggering…

Prince Harry caught off-guard by Queen’s unexpected reaction to Meghan Markle request!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have now been married for seven years but before Harry popped the question, he had to ask his late grandmother the Queen…